Chapter 245

Chapter 245: Harem?!

"By the way," Magic Rainbow addressed Weak Sound and Darkling Stalker seated at the same table, "I haven’t heard Little Sound and Little Shadow recount their pursuit of that Goblin Reincarnator yet. The mission went smoothly, I presume?"

"Ah!"

Weak Sound jolted in surprise, her naturally timid nature making her flinch at being addressed. She cast a furtive glance toward Darkling Stalker beside her.

The shadowy figure showed no intention of responding, fully engrossed in her meal. Thanks to her Shadow Manipulation skill, she required no assistance from humanoid sisters like Magic Rainbow did – instead, she manipulated shadows into forming ebony hands that dutifully delivered food to her lips. Though this appeared to be her first attempt at shaping shadows into functional limbs, her unpracticed motions couldn’t conceal the evident delight she took in the novelty.

The writhing darkness appendages drew curious stares from surrounding ants who periodically glanced over between bites and conversations. Weak Sound kept her gaze averted, acutely aware of her proximity to this supposed sister whose battlelust they’d witnessed during previous missions. Were it not for banquet etiquette prohibiting early departures, the timid ant might have fled long ago.

"Um…y-yes…it went smoothly," the flustered girl stammered, nodding vigorously until meeting Magic Rainbow’s gaze made her blush crimson and study her lap. "No ants…were seriously hurt."

…

At the adjacent table, Purple Cloud and Purple Mist chirped merrily while being fed – one nestled in Army Lady’s arms, the other perched on Stealth One’s lap. Beside them sat Little Tear, an uncommon sight in humanoid form, who attacked her food with such single-minded enthusiasm that her face became smeared with bits of cuisine. Army Lady periodically reached over to wipe the messy eater’s cheeks with maternal efficiency.

This nurturing gesture stemmed from their history in the forest – Army Lady’s frequent hunting expeditions to the underground food stores had often crossed paths with the perpetually hungry Little Tear. The warrior’s contributions of flavorful monster meat had gradually earned her the glutton’s favor. Indeed, most daughters maintained harmonious relationships, save for occasional exceptions.

After cleaning Little Tear’s face once more, Army Lady observed Stealth One’s distracted expression. "What troubles you?"

"Eh? N-nothing…"

"That vacant look suggests otherwise."

Though their relationship had been historically contentious, multiple shared battles had softened Army Lady’s animosity. Studying her former rival now, she found the old resentment had quietly dissipated.

Stealth One also no longer treated them with indifference or confrontation as before.

After hesitating briefly, Stealth One retrieved a small oak barrel from her Magic Backpack.

"Is this… wine?"

"Yes. I had purchased it earlier from a tavern in the town."

"When did you buy it…?"

Ignoring Army Lady’s inquiry, Stealth One’s petite and delicate nose quivered as she inhaled the rich bouquet from the barrel, her expression blooming with rapt fascination.

"You aren’t actually planning to drink that, are you?"

Army Lady caught the scent too, her brows knitting faintly.

The memory of nearly being assaulted after drunkenly stumbling through town still lingered, leaving her with no fondness for liquor.

Just as predicted, Stealth One succumbed to temptation, prying open the barrel to pour herself a cup.

Purple Cloud and Purple Mist sampled it out of curiosity but recoiled at the bitter flavor, promptly refraining from further tasting.

…

The feast stretched over two hours before concluding.

The task of clearing the remnants and tidying up was delegated to the Worker Ants.

Everyone appeared thoroughly satiated.

Honestly, Little Liquor’s culinary prowess has matured splendidly! Perhaps we should entrust all future meals to her.

Now that I think of it… Stealth One did get rather intoxicated.

After imbibing, she suddenly lunged at me—it caught me off guard.

Had she vomited on my attire, it would’ve been disastrous. Thankfully, Red Pupil intervened just in time.

I hadn’t anticipated her bringing alcohol.

The fruity brew, blended from several berries, held modest sweetness but pronounced bitterness. Rather unpalatable, yet surprisingly potent—a mere sip left me slightly lightheaded.

Perhaps I’m simply not cut out for drinking.

Ah, but not due to youth!

In my original world, I was fourteen. Nearly four years have passed here, so I’m practically of age! Consuming alcohol is entirely permissible!

Though my appearance belies this…

Then again, as an ant now, such human concerns seem trivial.

Returning to the matter—

Leaving an inebriated Stealth One sprawled in the dining hall was untenable.

Thus, Army Lady and Lvzi assisted her back to her quarters.

Yet…

If one’s intoxicated daughter were involved, certain… indiscretions might go unnoticed, no?

How vexing—I should’ve instructed them to escort Stealth One to my chamber instead!

Alright, just kidding.

…

After the meal, the white-haired maiden began feeling drowsy following a leisurely stroll with Yellow Hair and her transformed daughters to aid digestion.

"Woof!"

"Mm, let’s return to rest."

Thus I rode back to the castle atop Yellow Hair.

But as I finished my nightly ablutions and prepared to retire—

Before me stood not only Yellow Hair, but also Red Pupil, Army Lady, Worker Liquor, and other humanized daughters.

"What is it?"

"My sisters and I all wish to accompany Mother tonight," Red Pupil explained.

Don’t you all have your own chambers? Not that I mind, of course.

Besides, the bed isn’t large enough—it might only accommodate two more at most…

Ah, so you want me to choose?

This feels strangely reminiscent of an ancient emperor selecting concubines to attend him.

But framing it thus, wouldn’t my daughters become akin to…to my harem?!

Goodness! This is improper…yet thrilling! I mean—absolutely not!

Such thoughts are utterly depraved—to harbor designs on one’s own daughters…

We’ll simply sleep together like normal family! Nothing untoward shall occur!

What? That incident with Red Pupil this morning…? Nothing happened! I refuse to acknowledge anything occurred!

…

After much deliberation, I ultimately selected Red Pupil and Little Liquor.

Though I yearned to embrace the others, spatial constraints dictated our arrangement.

There will be future opportunities regardless.

My rationale for choosing these two…

Little Liquor deserves reward for tonight’s exquisite culinary efforts.

As for Red Pupil—we share the deepest bond…

Though our earlier…encounter leaves me somewhat flustered, perhaps this night offers chance for reciprocity?

Hmph, I shall reclaim the advantage lost during daylight hours!